Parent/Child

Help Kids Gear Up for Holiday Giving

Do you remember the best gift someone ever gave you? What made it so special? Were you really excited? Giving gifts can make us feel the same way.

To help get your kids in the holiday spirit and understand how giving feels as great as receiving, have kids do the following:

Make a list of all the people they want to give gifts to and how much each gift will cost. This will help them figure out how much money they will need to save.

Find odd jobs to earn money. Suggest asking the neighbors if they can walk their dogs, mow lawns, or babysit for them.

Save part of their allowance. If they put just $2 a week in their credit union savings account they’ll have more than $100 by the end of the year. They can put some in a Holiday Club account to help save just for gifts.

Remind kids that thoughtful gifts are the ones people keep for a long time. They don't have to cost a lot. Encourage children to shop sales or check out second-hand stores for special and unique items. Here are some inexpensive gift suggestions for kids:

Put together a photo album or frame a picture of themselves with the person who will receive the gift.

Buy or make a calendar and fill in birthdays and anniversaries. Add small pictures.

Make a clay flowerpot or pencil holder.

Knit a scarf, or make a beaded bracelet or necklace.

Give chore coupons for a free car wash or night of babysitting.

Wrap presents in homemade wrapping paper.

Visit our Youth Activities page for more fun ways to help teach your kids about money.